William E. Eley, 78, of Port Charlotte, Fla., and Tavernier, Fla., passed away peacefully with his wife, Jo Ann Carter, at his side Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013, at the Tidewell Hospice in Englewood.

He was born in Easton, Md., to Clarence P. and Elizabeth (nee Cole) Eley.

Bill attended Salisbury State Teachers College in Maryland and the University of Miami. He played many sports and excelled in soccer. After serving in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, Bill moved to Miami in 1956, and after retirement from the City of Miami Fire Department in 1986, and moved to Tavernier. He and Jo Ann moved to Port Charlotte in 2008. Bill loved boating and was a member of the Miami Springs Power Boat Club, and had served as commodore. He had been a member of the Elks in Tavernier. Bill attended the Port Charlotte United Methodist Church. He was a retired City of Miami firefighter.

Bill is survived by his daughters, Karen (Rick) Hamilton of Homestead, and Brenda (Mark) Hoppe of Miami, Fla.; and grandchildren, Diana and Barbie Hoppe, and Kristen, Rick, and Jake Hamilton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Elizabeth; brothers, Paul, and Howard; sister, Louise; son, William Eley Jr.; and first wife, Patricia (Milne) Eley.

A celebration of life will be held at the Miami Firefighter’s Benevolent Hall at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, 2013. A viewing for the family was held Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013, in the chapel of the Kays Ponger and Uselton Funeral Home in Port Charlotte. To light a candle in William’s name please visit www.kays-ponger.com.

Arrangements are by Kays-Ponger Uselton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Port Charlotte Chapel.